1
|
Fernández-Soto D, Bueno P, Garaigorta U, Gastaminza P, Bueno JL, Duarte RF, Jara R, Valés-Gómez M, Reyburn HT. SARS-CoV-2 membrane protein-specific antibodies from critically ill SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals interact with Fc receptor-expressing cells but do not neutralize the virus. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:985-991. [PMID: 38245016 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiae017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The membrane (M) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 is one of the key viral proteins regulating virion assembly and morphogenesis. Immunologically, the M protein is a major source of peptide antigens driving T cell responses, and most individuals who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 make antibodies to the N-terminal, surface-exposed peptide of the M protein. We now report that although the M protein is abundant in the viral particle, antibodies to the surface-exposed N-terminal epitope of M do not appear to neutralize the virus. M protein-specific antibodies do, however, activate antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion by primary human natural killer cells. Interestingly, while patients with severe or mild disease make comparable levels of M antigen-binding antibodies, M-specific antibodies from the serum of critically ill patients are significantly more potent activators of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity than antibodies found in individuals with mild or asymptomatic infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Fernández-Soto
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C. Darwin 3, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Paula Bueno
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C. Darwin 3, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Urtzi Garaigorta
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C. Darwin 3, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Pablo Gastaminza
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C. Darwin 3, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - José L Bueno
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, C. Joaquín Rodrigo 1, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael F Duarte
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, C. Joaquín Rodrigo 1, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Jara
- Immunostep, S.L., Centro Investigación del Cáncer, Avda. Universidad de Coimbra, s/n, Salamanca 37007, Spain
| | - Mar Valés-Gómez
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C. Darwin 3, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Hugh T Reyburn
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C. Darwin 3, Madrid 28049, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
El-Daly MM. Advances and Challenges in SARS-CoV-2 Detection: A Review of Molecular and Serological Technologies. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:519. [PMID: 38472991 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14050519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The urgent need for accurate COVID-19 diagnostics has led to the development of various SARS-CoV-2 detection technologies. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) remains a reliable viral gene detection technique, while other molecular methods, including nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAATs) and isothermal amplification techniques, provide diverse and effective approaches. Serological assays, detecting antibodies in response to viral infection, are crucial for disease surveillance. Saliva-based immunoassays show promise for surveillance purposes. The efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection varies, with IgM indicating recent exposure and IgG offering prolonged detectability. Various rapid tests, including lateral-flow immunoassays, present opportunities for quick diagnosis, but their clinical significance requires validation through further studies. Challenges include variations in specificity and sensitivity among testing platforms and evolving assay sensitivities over time. SARS-CoV-2 antigens, particularly the N and S proteins, play a crucial role in diagnostic methods. Innovative approaches, such as nanozyme-based assays and specific nucleotide aptamers, offer enhanced sensitivity and flexibility. In conclusion, ongoing advancements in SARS-CoV-2 detection methods contribute to the global effort in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mai M El-Daly
- Special Infectious Agents Unit-BSL3, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Roper KJ, Thomas J, Albalawi W, Maddocks E, Dobson S, Alshehri A, Barone FG, Baltazar M, Semple MG, Ho A, Turtle L, Paxton WA, Pollakis G. Quantifying neutralising antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2 in dried blood spots (DBS) and paired sera. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15014. [PMID: 37697014 PMCID: PMC10495436 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41928-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was initially managed by non-pharmaceutical interventions such as diagnostic testing, isolation of positive cases, physical distancing and lockdowns. The advent of vaccines has provided crucial protection against SARS-CoV-2. Neutralising antibody (nAb) responses are a key correlate of protection, and therefore measuring nAb responses is essential for monitoring vaccine efficacy. Fingerstick dried blood spots (DBS) are ideal for use in large-scale sero-surveillance because they are inexpensive, offer the option of self-collection and can be transported and stored at ambient temperatures. Such advantages also make DBS appealing to use in resource-limited settings and in potential future pandemics. In this study, nAb responses in sera, venous blood and fingerstick blood stored on filter paper were measured. Samples were collected from SARS-CoV-2 acutely infected individuals, SARS-CoV-2 convalescent individuals and SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated individuals. Good agreement was observed between the nAb responses measured in eluted DBS and paired sera. Stability of nAb responses was also observed in sera stored on filter paper at room temperature for 28 days. Overall, this study provides support for the use of filter paper as a viable sample collection method to study nAb responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Roper
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology (CIMI), Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jordan Thomas
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology (CIMI), Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Wejdan Albalawi
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology (CIMI), Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Emily Maddocks
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology (CIMI), Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Susan Dobson
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology (CIMI), Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Abdullateef Alshehri
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology (CIMI), Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Francesco G Barone
- Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology (ISMIB), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - Murielle Baltazar
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology (CIMI), Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Malcolm G Semple
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology (CIMI), Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Respiratory Medicine, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Institute in The Park, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Antonia Ho
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Lance Turtle
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology (CIMI), Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - William A Paxton
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology (CIMI), Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Liverpool, UK
| | - Georgios Pollakis
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology (CIMI), Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (IVES), University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK.
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Liverpool, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fernandez Z, de Arruda Rodrigues R, Torres JM, Marcon GEB, de Castro Ferreira E, de Souza VF, Sarti EFB, Bertolli GF, Araujo D, Demarchi LHF, Lichs G, Zardin MU, Gonçalves CCM, Cuenca V, Favacho A, Guilhermino J, Dos Santos LR, de Araujo FR, Silva MR. Development and validity assessment of ELISA test with recombinant chimeric protein of SARS-CoV-2. J Immunol Methods 2023; 519:113489. [PMID: 37179011 PMCID: PMC10174469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2023.113489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Serological tests developed for COVID-19 diagnostic are based on antibodies specific for SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Most of the antigens consist of a fragment or a whole amino acid sequence of the nucleocapsid or spike proteins. We evaluated a chimeric recombinant protein as an antigen in an ELISA test, using the most conserved and hydrophilic portions of the S1-subunit of the S and Nucleocapsid (N) proteins. These proteins, individually, indicated a suitable sensitivity of 93.6 and 100% and a specificity of 94.5 and 91.3%, respectively. However, our study with the chimera containing S1 and N proteins of SARS-CoV-2 suggested that the recombinant protein could better balance both the sensitivity (95.7%) and the specificity (95.5%) of the serological assay when comparing with the ELISA test using the antigens N and S1, individually. Accordingly, the chimera showed a high area under the ROC curve of 0.98 (CI 95% 0.958-1). Thus, our chimeric approach could be used to assess the natural exposure against SARS-CoV-2 virus over time, however, other tests will be necessary to better understand the behaviour of the chimera in samples from people with different vaccination doses and/or infected with different variants of the virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel Araujo
- Instituto Integrado de Saúde-Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Gislene Lichs
- Laboratório Central de Saúde do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | | | - Valter Cuenca
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina (FAMED), Fundação Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Akhter N, Sana S, Adnan Ahsan M, Siddique Z, Huraira A, Sana S. Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment for SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Infect Dis (Lond) 2023. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.107846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic’s epidemiological and clinical characteristics have been affected in recent months by the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 variants with unique spikes of protein alterations. These variations can lessen the protection provided by suppressing monoclonal antibodies and vaccines, as well as enhance the frequencies of transmission of the virus and/or the risk of contracting the disease. Due to these mutations, SARS-CoV-2 may be able to proliferate despite increasing levels of vaccination coverage while preserving and enhancing its reproduction efficiency. This is one of the main strategies in tackling the COVID-19 epidemics, the accessibility of precise and trustworthy biomarkers for the SARS-CoV-2 genetic material and also its nucleic acids is important to investigate the disease in suspect communities, start making diagnoses and management in symptomatic or asymptomatic persons, and evaluate authorization of the pathogen after infection. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for virus nucleic acid identification is still the most effective method for such uses due to its sensitivity, quickness, high-throughput sequencing capacity, and trustworthiness. It is essential to update the primer and probe sequences to maintain the recognition of recently emerging variations. Concerning viral variations could develop that are dangerously resistant to the immunization induced by the present vaccinations in coronavirus disease 2019. Additionally, the significance of effective public health interventions and vaccination programs will grow if some variations of concern exhibit an increased risk of transmission or toxicity. The international reaction must’ve been immediate and established in science. These results supported ongoing efforts to prevent and identify infection, as well as to describe mutations in vaccine recipients, and they suggest a potential risk of illness following effective immunization and transmission of pathogens with a mutant viral.
Collapse
|
6
|
Parker E, Thomas J, Roper KJ, Ijaz S, Edwards T, Marchesin F, Katsanovskaja K, Lett L, Jones C, Hardwick HE, Davis C, Vink E, McDonald SE, Moore SC, Dicks S, Jegatheesan K, Cook NJ, Hope J, Cherepanov P, McClure MO, Baillie JK, Openshaw PJM, Turtle L, Ho A, Semple MG, Paxton WA, Tedder RS, Pollakis G. SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses associate with sex, age and disease severity in previously uninfected people admitted to hospital with COVID-19: An ISARIC4C prospective study. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1146702. [PMID: 37056776 PMCID: PMC10087108 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1146702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic enables the analysis of immune responses induced against a novel coronavirus infecting immunologically naïve individuals. This provides an opportunity for analysis of immune responses and associations with age, sex and disease severity. Here we measured an array of solid-phase binding antibody and viral neutralising Ab (nAb) responses in participants (n=337) of the ISARIC4C cohort and characterised their correlation with peak disease severity during acute infection and early convalescence. Overall, the responses in a Double Antigen Binding Assay (DABA) for antibody to the receptor binding domain (anti-RBD) correlated well with IgM as well as IgG responses against viral spike, S1 and nucleocapsid protein (NP) antigens. DABA reactivity also correlated with nAb. As we and others reported previously, there is greater risk of severe disease and death in older men, whilst the sex ratio was found to be equal within each severity grouping in younger people. In older males with severe disease (mean age 68 years), peak antibody levels were found to be delayed by one to two weeks compared with women, and nAb responses were delayed further. Additionally, we demonstrated that solid-phase binding antibody responses reached higher levels in males as measured via DABA and IgM binding against Spike, NP and S1 antigens. In contrast, this was not observed for nAb responses. When measuring SARS-CoV-2 RNA transcripts (as a surrogate for viral shedding) in nasal swabs at recruitment, we saw no significant differences by sex or disease severity status. However, we have shown higher antibody levels associated with low nasal viral RNA indicating a role of antibody responses in controlling viral replication and shedding in the upper airway. In this study, we have shown discernible differences in the humoral immune responses between males and females and these differences associate with age as well as with resultant disease severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Parker
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jordan Thomas
- National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Kelly J. Roper
- National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Reference Department, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tansy Edwards
- Medical Research Council (MRC) International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Federica Marchesin
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ksenia Katsanovskaja
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Lett
- National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Jones
- National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Hayley E. Hardwick
- National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Davis
- Medical Research Council, University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Elen Vink
- Medical Research Council, University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah E. McDonald
- Medical Research Council, University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Shona C. Moore
- National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Steve Dicks
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Reference Department, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
- National Health Service (NHS) Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Keerthana Jegatheesan
- Blood Borne Virus Unit, Reference Department, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
- National Health Service (NHS) Blood and Transplant, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J. Cook
- Chromatin Structure and Mobile DNA Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joshua Hope
- Chromatin Structure and Mobile DNA Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Cherepanov
- Chromatin Structure and Mobile DNA Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Myra O. McClure
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Lance Turtle
- National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Antonia Ho
- Medical Research Council, University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm G. Semple
- National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - William A. Paxton
- National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Richard S. Tedder
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Pollakis
- National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Peletta A, Lemoine C, Courant T, Collin N, Borchard G. Meeting vaccine formulation challenges in an emergency setting: Towards the development of accessible vaccines. Pharmacol Res 2023; 189:106699. [PMID: 36796463 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination is considered one of the most successful strategies to prevent infectious diseases. In the event of a pandemic or epidemic, the rapid development and distribution of the vaccine to the population is essential to reduce mortality, morbidity and transmission. As seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, the production and distribution of vaccines has been challenging, in particular for resource-constrained settings, essentially slowing down the process of achieving global coverage. Pricing, storage, transportation and delivery requirements of several vaccines developed in high-income countries resulted in limited access for low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). The capacity to manufacture vaccines locally would greatly improve global vaccine access. In particular, for the development of classical subunit vaccines, the access to vaccine adjuvants is a pre-requisite for more equitable access to vaccines. Vaccine adjuvants are agents required to augment or potentiate, and possibly target the specific immune response to such type of vaccine antigens. Openly accessible or locally produced vaccine adjuvants may allow for faster immunization of the global population. For local research and development of adjuvanted vaccines to expand, knowledge on vaccine formulation is of paramount importance. In this review, we aim to discuss the optimal characteristics of a vaccine developed in an emergency setting by focusing on the importance of vaccine formulation, appropriate use of adjuvants and how this may help overcome barriers for vaccine development and production in LMICs, achieve improved vaccine regimens, delivery and storage requirements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allegra Peletta
- Section of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland (ISPSO), University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1221 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Céline Lemoine
- Vaccine Formulation Institute, Rue du Champ-Blanchod 4, 1228 Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland.
| | - Thomas Courant
- Vaccine Formulation Institute, Rue du Champ-Blanchod 4, 1228 Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland.
| | - Nicolas Collin
- Vaccine Formulation Institute, Rue du Champ-Blanchod 4, 1228 Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland.
| | - Gerrit Borchard
- Section of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland (ISPSO), University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1221 Geneva, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Deutou Wondeu AL, Talom BM, Linardos G, Ngoumo BT, Bello A, Ndassi Soufo AM, Momo AC, Doll C, Tamuedjoun AT, Kiuate JR, Cappelli G, Russo C, Perno CF, Tchidjou HK, Scaramella L, Galgani A. The COVID-19 wave was already here: High seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among staff and students in a Cameroon University. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:2242. [PMID: 36798849 PMCID: PMC9926561 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Seroprevalence studies, to estimate the proportion of people that has been infected by SARS-CoV-2 are importance in African countries, where incidence is among the lowest in the world. Objective This study aimed at evaluating the exposure to SARS-CoV-2 within a university setting of Cameroon. Methods A cross-sectional study performed in December 2020 - December 2021, among students and staffs of the Evangelical University of Cameroon. COVID-19 antigen rapid detection test (RDT) was performed using Standard Q Biosensor, and one year after SARS-CoV-2 antibody-test was performed within the same population using RDT and chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). Results 106 participants were enrolled (80% students), female sex was the most represented. Positivity to SARS-CoV-2 was 0.0% based on antigen RDTs. The seroprevalence of SARSCoV- 2 antibodies was estimated at 73.6% (95% CI. 64.5-81.0) for IgG and 1.9% (95% CI. 0.2-6.8) for IgM/IgG with RDTs, and 91.9% (95% CI. 84.7-96.4) for anti-nucleocapsid with CLIA. 95.3% (101) reported having developed at least one of the known COVID-19 symptoms (cough and headache being the most common). 90.3% (28) of people who experienced at least one of these symptoms developed IgG antibodies. 40.6% (43) of participants took natural herbs, whereas 55.7% (59) took conventional drugs. The most used herb was Zingiber officinale, while the most used drugs were antibiotics. Conclusion In this Cameroonian University community, SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence is high, with a greater detection using advanced serological assays. This indicates a wide viral exposure, and the need to adequate control measures especially for those experiencing any related COVID-19 symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrillene Laure Deutou Wondeu
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
- Department of Biology and Interdipartimental Center for Comparative Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Metchum Talom
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | | | - Barnes Tanetsop Ngoumo
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Aïchatou Bello
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Aurele Marc Ndassi Soufo
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Aimé Cesaire Momo
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Christian Doll
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
- Department of Trauma-, Hand- and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alaric Talom Tamuedjoun
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Jules-Roger Kiuate
- Laboratory of molecular biology and immunopathology, Evangelical University of Cameroon, Mbouo-Bandjoun, Cameroon
| | - Giulia Cappelli
- Institute for Biological Systems, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Lucia Scaramella
- Unit of Food Biotechnology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M.Aleandri”, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Galgani
- Department of Biology and Interdipartimental Center for Comparative Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jin X, Sun X, Chai Y, Bai Y, Li Y, Hao T, Qi J, Song H, Wong CCL, Gao GF. Structural characterization of SARS-CoV-2 dimeric ORF9b reveals potential fold-switching trigger mechanism. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2023; 66:152-164. [PMID: 36184694 PMCID: PMC9527070 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2168-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The constant emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants indicates the evolution and adaptation of the virus. Enhanced innate immune evasion through increased expression of viral antagonist proteins, including ORF9b, contributes to the improved transmission of the Alpha variant; hence, more attention should be paid to these viral proteins. ORF9b is an accessory protein that suppresses innate immunity via a monomer conformation by binding to Tom70. Here, we solved the dimeric structure of SARS-CoV-2 ORF9b with a long hydrophobic tunnel containing a lipid molecule that is crucial for the dimeric conformation and determined the specific lipid ligands as monoglycerides by conducting a liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis, suggesting an important role in the viral life cycle. Notably, a long intertwined loop accessible for host factor binding was observed in the structure. Eight phosphorylated residues in ORF9b were identified, and residues S50 and S53 were found to contribute to the stabilization of dimeric ORF9b. Additionally, we proposed a model of multifunctional ORF9b with a distinct conformation, suggesting that ORF9b is a fold-switching protein, while both lipids and phosphorylation contribute to the switching. Specifically, the ORF9b monomer interacts with Tom70 to suppress the innate immune response, whereas the ORF9b dimer binds to the membrane involving mature virion assembly. Our results provide a better understanding of the multiple functions of ORF9b.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiyue Jin
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Xue Sun
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100034 China ,grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Center for Precision Medicine Multi-Omics Research, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Yan Chai
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Yu Bai
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Ying Li
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Tianjiao Hao
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Hao Song
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Research Network of Immunity and Health (RNIH), Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Catherine C. L. Wong
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100034 China ,grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Center for Precision Medicine Multi-Omics Research, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 China ,grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China ,grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - George F. Gao
- grid.59053.3a0000000121679639School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Research Network of Immunity and Health (RNIH), Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Engagement of the G3BP2-TRIM25 Interaction by Nucleocapsid Protein Suppresses the Type I Interferon Response in SARS-CoV-2-Infected Cells. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122042. [PMID: 36560452 PMCID: PMC9781323 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid (N) protein contributes to key steps of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle, including packaging of the virus genome and modulating interactions with cytoplasmic components. Expanding knowledge of the N protein acting on cellular proteins and interfering with innate immunity is critical for studying the host antiviral strategy. In the study on SARS-CoV-2 infecting human bronchial epithelial cell line s1(16HBE), we identified that the N protein can promote the interaction between GTPase-activating protein SH3 domain-binding protein 2 (G3BP2) and tripartite motif containing 25 (TRIM25), which is involved in formation of the TRIM25-G3BP2-N protein interactome. Our findings suggest that the N protein is enrolled in the inhibition of type I interferon production in the process of infection. Meanwhile, upgraded binding of G3BP2 and TRIM25 interferes with the RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, which may contribute to SARS-CoV-2 escaping from cellular innate immune surveillance. The N protein plays a critical role in SARS-CoV-2 replication. Our study suggests that the N protein and its interacting cellular components has potential for use in antiviral therapy, and adding N protein into the vaccine as an antigen may be a good strategy to improve the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine. Its interference with innate immunity should be strongly considered as a target for SARS-CoV-2 infection control and vaccine design.
Collapse
|
11
|
Plant Molecular Pharming and Plant-Derived Compounds towards Generation of Vaccines and Therapeutics against Coronaviruses. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10111805. [DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10111805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The current century has witnessed infections of pandemic proportions caused by Coronaviruses (CoV) including severe acute respiratory syndrome-related CoV (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome-related CoV (MERS-CoV) and the recently identified SARS-CoV2. Significantly, the SARS-CoV2 outbreak, declared a pandemic in early 2020, has wreaked devastation and imposed intense pressure on medical establishments world-wide in a short time period by spreading at a rapid pace, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, there is a compelling need to combat and contain the CoV infections. The current review addresses the unique features of the molecular virology of major Coronaviruses that may be tractable towards antiviral targeting and design of novel preventative and therapeutic intervention strategies. Plant-derived vaccines, in particular oral vaccines, afford safer, effectual and low-cost avenues to develop antivirals and fast response vaccines, requiring minimal infrastructure and trained personnel for vaccine administration in developing countries. This review article discusses recent developments in the generation of plant-based vaccines, therapeutic/drug molecules, monoclonal antibodies and phytochemicals to preclude and combat infections caused by SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Efficacious plant-derived antivirals could contribute significantly to combating emerging and re-emerging pathogenic CoV infections and help stem the tide of any future pandemics.
Collapse
|
12
|
Abraha I, Eusebi P, Germani A, Pasquarelli E, Pascolini S, Antonietti R, Argenti S, Fioravanti A, Martini E, Aristei L, Mancinelli P, Ottaviani ML, Roselli M, Barzacca M, Belardinelli E, Micheli M. Temporal trends and differences of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody responses in symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects: a longitudinal study from Umbria in Italy. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056370. [PMID: 35851013 PMCID: PMC9296997 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dynamics of antibody responses following SARS-CoV-2 infection are controversial in terms of immunity and persistence. We aimed to assess longitudinally the trend of antibody serological titres, their correlation with clinical severity as well as clinical reinfection during a follow-up. DESIGN Longitudinal cohort, 12 months follow-up study. SETTING USL Umbria 2. PARTICIPANTS Consecutive subjects aged 15-75 who were discharged with the diagnosis of Sars-Cov-2 from the hospitals of the AUSL Umbria 2, or resulted positive to a PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 infection with or without symptoms were recruited. SARS-CoV-2 serological testing for antibodies targeting the Nucleocapside and Spike proteins were determined. RESULTS Of 184 eligible subjects, 149 were available for evaluation: 17 were classified as oligo/asymptomatic, 107 as symptomatic, 25 as hospital admitted. Participants differed in terms of signs and symptoms as well as treatment. Overall there was a significant difference in terms of antibody titres between groups (anti-S: p<0.00; anti-N: p=0.019). Median anti-S titres in the symptomatic and hospital admitted participants were significantly higher compared with the oligo/asymptomatic participants. During follow-up, the median titre of anti-S antibodies did not show significant variations (p=0.500) and the difference within groups remained constant overtime. Subjects that showed an anti-S titre above the threshold of 12 U/mL were 88.7% at first visit and 88.2% at last follow-up. Anti-N values were higher in the hospital admitted participants compared with the other two groups. Anti-N titre reduced constantly overtime (p<0.001) and across the three groups of participants. The percentage of the subjects with serological titre above threshold (<1.4 U/mL) decreased from 74.5%% to 29.2% (p<0.001). None of the participants developed clinically evident reinfection. CONCLUSION Anti-N and anti-S correlate well with clinical severity. While anti-N declines overtime, anti-S antibodies persist for at least 1 year.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iosief Abraha
- Servizio Immunotrasfusionale, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Umbria 2, Foligno (PG), Italy
| | - Paolo Eusebi
- Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonella Germani
- Servizio Immunotrasfusionale, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Umbria 2, Foligno (PG), Italy
| | - Erica Pasquarelli
- Servizio Immunotrasfusionale, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Umbria 2, Foligno (PG), Italy
| | - Sofia Pascolini
- Servizio Immunotrasfusionale, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Umbria 2, Foligno (PG), Italy
| | - Rossana Antonietti
- Servizio Immunotrasfusionale, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Umbria 2, Foligno (PG), Italy
| | - Sandro Argenti
- Servizio Immunotrasfusionale, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Umbria 2, Foligno (PG), Italy
| | - Alessandra Fioravanti
- Servizio Immunotrasfusionale, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Umbria 2, Foligno (PG), Italy
| | - Elisa Martini
- Servizio Immunotrasfusionale, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Umbria 2, Foligno (PG), Italy
| | - Luana Aristei
- Servizio Immunotrasfusionale, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Umbria 2, Foligno (PG), Italy
| | - Paola Mancinelli
- Servizio Immunotrasfusionale, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Umbria 2, Foligno (PG), Italy
| | | | - Martina Roselli
- Servizio Immunotrasfusionale, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Umbria 2, Foligno (PG), Italy
| | - Milena Barzacca
- Servizio Immunotrasfusionale, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Umbria 2, Foligno (PG), Italy
| | - Erika Belardinelli
- Servizio Immunotrasfusionale, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Umbria 2, Foligno (PG), Italy
| | - Marta Micheli
- Servizio Immunotrasfusionale, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Umbria 2, Foligno (PG), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Controlled nano-agglomerates as stabile SERS reporters for unequivocal labelling. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8977. [PMID: 35643864 PMCID: PMC9142785 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12989-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Biosensors, especially those with a SERS readout, are required for an early and precise healthcare diagnosis. Unreproducible SERS platforms hamper clinical SERS. Here we report a synthetic procedure to obtain stabile, reproducible and robust highly-SERS performing nanocomposites for labelling. We controlled the NPs agglomeration and codification which resulted in an increased number of hot spots, thus exhibiting reproducible and superior Raman enhancement. We studied fundamental aspects affecting the plasmonic thiol bond resulting in pH exhibiting a determining role. We validated their biosensing performance by designing a SERS-based detection assay model for SARS-CoV-2. The limit of detection of our assay detecting the spike RBD was below 10 ng/mL.
Collapse
|
14
|
Gutiérrez Rodelo C, Salinas RA, Armenta JaimeArmenta E, Armenta S, Galdámez-Martínez A, Castillo-Blum SE, Astudillo-de la Vega H, Nirmala Grace A, Aguilar-Salinas CA, Gutiérrez Rodelo J, Christie G, Alsanie WF, Santana G, Thakur VK, Dutt A. Zinc associated nanomaterials and their intervention in emerging respiratory viruses: Journey to the field of biomedicine and biomaterials. Coord Chem Rev 2022; 457:214402. [PMID: 35095109 PMCID: PMC8788306 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2021.214402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory viruses represent a severe public health risk worldwide, and the research contribution to tackle the current pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 is one of the main targets among the scientific community. In this regard, experts from different fields have gathered to confront this catastrophic pandemic. This review illustrates how nanotechnology intervention could be valuable in solving this difficult situation, and the state of the art of Zn-based nanostructures are discussed in detail. For virus detection, learning from the experience of other respiratory viruses such as influenza, the potential use of Zn nanomaterials as suitable sensing platforms to recognize the S1 spike protein in SARS-CoV-2 are shown. Furthermore, a discussion about the antiviral mechanisms reported for ZnO nanostructures is included, which can help develop surface disinfectants and protective coatings. At the same time, the properties of Zn-based materials as supplements for reducing viral activity and the recovery of infected patients are illustrated. Within the scope of noble adjuvants to improve the immune response, the ZnO NPs properties as immunomodulators are explained, and potential prototypes of nanoengineered particles with metallic cations (like Zn2+) are suggested. Therefore, using Zn-associated nanomaterials from detection to disinfection, supplementation, and immunomodulation opens a wide area of opportunities to combat these emerging respiratory viruses. Finally, the attractive properties of these nanomaterials can be extrapolated to new clinical challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Citlaly Gutiérrez Rodelo
- Healthcare Business and Computer Technology, Mexico
- Nanopharmacia Diagnostica, Tlaxcala No. 146/705, Col. Roma Sur, Cuauhtémoc, Cuidad de México, C.P. 06760, Mexico
| | - Rafael A Salinas
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología Aplicada del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CIBA-IPN), Tlaxcala 72197, Mexico
| | - Erika Armenta JaimeArmenta
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, DF 04510, México
| | - Silvia Armenta
- Department of Biology, McGill University, 3649 Sir William Osler, Montreal, QC H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Andrés Galdámez-Martínez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacan, México City, C.P. 04510, Mexico
| | - Silvia E Castillo-Blum
- Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, DF 04510, México
| | - Horacio Astudillo-de la Vega
- Healthcare Business and Computer Technology, Mexico
- Nanopharmacia Diagnostica, Tlaxcala No. 146/705, Col. Roma Sur, Cuauhtémoc, Cuidad de México, C.P. 06760, Mexico
| | - Andrews Nirmala Grace
- Centre for Nanotechnology Research, VIT University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632 014, India
| | - Carlos A Aguilar-Salinas
- Unidad de Investigación de Enfermedades Metabólicas y Dirección de Nutrición. Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico
| | - Juliana Gutiérrez Rodelo
- Instituto Méxicano del Seguro Social, Hospital General de SubZona No. 4, C.P. 80370, Navolato, Sinaloa, México
| | - Graham Christie
- Institute of Biotechnology, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QT, UK
| | - Walaa F Alsanie
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, The Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Guillermo Santana
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacan, México City, C.P. 04510, Mexico
| | - Vijay Kumar Thakur
- Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, SRUC, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Shiv Nadar University, Uttar Pradesh 201314, India
- School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ateet Dutt
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Materiales, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacan, México City, C.P. 04510, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bartlett ML, Suwanmanee S, Peart Akindele N, Ghimire S, Chan AK, Guo C, Gould SJ, Cox AL, Griffin DE. Continued Virus-Specific Antibody-Secreting Cell Production, Avidity Maturation and B Cell Evolution in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19. Viral Immunol 2022; 35:259-272. [PMID: 35285743 PMCID: PMC9063170 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2021.0191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the development and sustainability of the virus-specific protective immune response to infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains incomplete with respect to the appearance and disappearance of virus-specific antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) in circulation. Therefore, we performed cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma collected from 55 hospitalized patients up to 4 months after onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Spike (S)- and nucleocapsid (N)-specific IgM and IgG ASCs appeared within 2 weeks accompanied by flow cytometry increases in double negative plasmablasts consistent with a rapid extrafollicular B cell response. Total and virus-specific IgM and IgG ASCs peaked at 3-4 weeks and were still being produced at 3-4 months accompanied by increasing antibody avidity consistent with a slower germinal center B cell response. N-specific ASCs were produced for longer than S-specific ASCs and avidity maturation was greater for antibody to N than S. Patients with more severe disease produced more S-specific IgM and IgG ASCs than those with mild disease and had higher levels of N- and S-specific antibody. Women had more B cells in circulation than men and produced more S-specific IgA and IgG and N-specific IgG ASCs. Flow cytometry analysis of B cell phenotypes showed an increase in circulating B cells at 4-6 weeks with decreased percentages of switched and unswitched memory B cells. These data indicate ongoing antigen-specific stimulation, maturation, and production of ASCs for several months after onset of symptoms in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maggie L. Bartlett
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - San Suwanmanee
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nadine Peart Akindele
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shristi Ghimire
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andy K.P. Chan
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Chenxu Guo
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephen J. Gould
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrea L. Cox
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Diane E. Griffin
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Validation of xMAP SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen IgG assay in Nigeria. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266184. [PMID: 35363818 PMCID: PMC8974966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective There is a need for reliable serological assays to determine accurate estimates of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) seroprevalence. Most single target antigen assays have shown some limitations in Africa. To assess the performance of a multi-antigen assay, we evaluated a commercially available SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen IgG assay for human coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Nigeria. Methods Validation of the xMAP SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen IgG assay was carried out using well-characterized SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reactive positive (97) and pre-COVID-19 pandemic (86) plasma panels. Cross-reactivity was assessed using pre-COVID-19 pandemic plasma specimens (213) from the 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS). Results The overall sensitivity of the xMAP SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen IgG assay was 75.3% [95% CI: 65.8%– 82.8%] and specificity was 99.0% [95% CI: 96.8%– 99.7%]. The sensitivity estimate increased to 83.3% [95% CI: 70.4%– 91.3%] for specimens >14 days post-confirmation of diagnosis. However, using the NAIIS pre-pandemic specimens, the false positivity rate was 1.4% (3/213). Conclusions Our results showed overall lower sensitivity and a comparable specificity with the manufacturer’s validation. There appears to be less cross-reactivity with NAIIS pre-pandemic COVID-19 specimens using the xMAP SARS-CoV-2 Multi-Antigen IgG assay. In-country SARS-CoV-2 serology assay validation can help guide the best choice of assays in Africa.
Collapse
|
17
|
Krasilnikov IV, Kudriavtsev AV, Vakhrusheva AV, Frolova ME, Ivanov AV, Stukova MA, Romanovskaya-Romanko EA, Vasilyev KA, Mushenkova NV, Isaev AA. Design and Immunological Properties of the Novel Subunit Virus-like Vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10010069. [PMID: 35062730 PMCID: PMC8782008 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10010069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, and the need for safe and effective vaccines to prevent infection and to control spread of the virus remains urgent. Here, we report the development of a SARS-CoV-2 subunit vaccine candidate (Betuvax-CoV-2) based on RBD and SD1 domains of the spike (S) protein fused to a human IgG1 Fc fragment. The antigen is adsorbed on betulin adjuvant, forming spherical particles with a size of 100–180 nm, mimicking the size of viral particles. Here we confirm the potent immunostimulatory activity of betulin adjuvant, and demonstrate that two immunizations of mice with Betuvax-CoV-2 elicited high titers of RBD-specific antibodies. The candidate vaccine was also effective in stimulating a neutralizing antibody response and T cell immunity. The results indicate that Betuvax-CoV-2 has good potential for further development as an effective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor V. Krasilnikov
- Department of Vaccinology, Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 197376 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (I.V.K.); (M.A.S.); (E.A.R.-R.); (K.A.V.)
| | | | | | - Maria E. Frolova
- PJSC Human Stem Cells Institute, 129110 Moscow, Russia; (M.E.F.); or
| | | | - Marina A. Stukova
- Department of Vaccinology, Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 197376 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (I.V.K.); (M.A.S.); (E.A.R.-R.); (K.A.V.)
| | - Ekaterina A. Romanovskaya-Romanko
- Department of Vaccinology, Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 197376 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (I.V.K.); (M.A.S.); (E.A.R.-R.); (K.A.V.)
| | - Kirill A. Vasilyev
- Department of Vaccinology, Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 197376 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (I.V.K.); (M.A.S.); (E.A.R.-R.); (K.A.V.)
| | | | - Artur A. Isaev
- PJSC Human Stem Cells Institute, 129110 Moscow, Russia; (M.E.F.); or
- Center of Genetics and Reproductive Medicine “Genetico”, 119333 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Peart Akindele N, Pieterse L, Suwanmanee S, Griffin DE. OUP accepted manuscript. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:822-832. [PMID: 35436340 PMCID: PMC9047220 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) can complicate infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), but differences in the immune responses during MIS-C compared to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are poorly understood. We longitudinally compared the amounts and avidity of plasma anti-nucleocapsid (N) and spike (S) antibodies, phenotypes of B cells, and numbers of virus-specific antibody-secreting cells in circulation of children hospitalized with COVID-19 (n = 10) and with MIS-C (n = 12). N-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) was higher early after presentation for MIS-C than COVID-19 patients and avidity of N- and S-specific IgG at presentation did not mature further during follow-up as it did for COVID-19. Both groups had waning proportions of B cells in circulation and decreasing but sustained production of virus-specific antibody-secreting cells for months. Overall, B-cell responses were similar, but those with MIS-C demonstrated a more mature antibody response at presentation compared to COVID-19, suggesting a postinfectious entity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Peart Akindele
- Present affiliations: United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Lisa Pieterse
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Diane E Griffin
- Correspondence: Diane E. Griffin, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Rm E5636, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA ()
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhou Y, Zhang L, Xie YH, Wu J. Advancements in detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection for confronting COVID-19 pandemics. J Transl Med 2022; 102:4-13. [PMID: 34497366 PMCID: PMC8424153 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-021-00663-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of the major approaches in combating the COVID-19 pandemics, the availability of specific and reliable assays for the SARS-CoV-2 viral genome and its proteins is essential to identify the infection in suspected populations, make diagnoses in symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals, and determine clearance of the virus after the infection. For these purposes, use of the quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for detection of the viral nucleic acid remains the most valuable in terms of its specificity, fast turn-around, high-throughput capacity, and reliability. It is critical to update the sequences of primers and probes to ensure the detection of newly emerged variants. Various assays for increased levels of IgG or IgM antibodies are available for detecting ongoing or past infection, vaccination responses, and persistence and for identifying high titers of neutralizing antibodies in recovered individuals. Viral genome sequencing is increasingly used for tracing infectious sources, monitoring mutations, and subtype classification and is less valuable in diagnosis because of its capacity and high cost. Nanopore target sequencing with portable options is available for a quick process for sequencing data. Emerging CRISPR-Cas-based assays, such as SHERLOCK and AIOD-CRISPR, for viral genome detection may offer options for prompt and point-of-care detection. Moreover, aptamer-based probes may be multifaceted for developing portable and high-throughput assays with fluorescent or chemiluminescent probes for viral proteins. In conclusion, assays are available for viral genome and protein detection, and the selection of specific assays depends on the purposes of prevention, diagnosis and pandemic control, or monitoring of vaccination efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhou
- Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China
| | - You-Hua Xie
- Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Institutes of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Szymczak A, Jędruchniewicz N, Torelli A, Kaczmarzyk-Radka A, Coluccio R, Kłak M, Konieczny A, Ferenc S, Witkiewicz W, Montomoli E, Miernikiewicz P, Bąchor R, Dąbrowska K. Antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 proteins N, S and E in COVID-19 patients in the normal population and in historical samples. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 34816794 PMCID: PMC8742988 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally; recognition of immune responses to this virus will be crucial for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) control, prevention and treatment. We comprehensively analysed IgG and IgA antibody responses to the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (N), spike protein domain 1 (S1) and envelope protein (E) in: SARS-CoV-2-infected patient, healthy, historical and pre-epidemic samples, including patients' medical, epidemiological and diagnostic data, virus-neutralizing capability and kinetics. N-specific IgG and IgA are the most reliable diagnostic targets for infection. Serum IgG levels correlate to IgA levels. Half a year after infection, anti-N and anti-S1 IgG decreased, but sera preserved virus-inhibitory potency; thus, testing for IgG may underestimate the protective potential of antibodies. Historical and pre-epidemic sera did not inhibit SARS-CoV-2, thus its circulation before the pandemic and a protective role from antibodies pre-induced by other coronaviruses cannot be confirmed by this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Szymczak
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Wrocław, Poland.,Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, Research and Development Center, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Natalia Jędruchniewicz
- Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, Research and Development Center, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Agata Kaczmarzyk-Radka
- Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, Research and Development Center, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Marlena Kłak
- Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, Research and Development Center, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Andrzej Konieczny
- Department of Nephrology and Transplantation Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Stanisław Ferenc
- Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, Research and Development Center, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Wojciech Witkiewicz
- Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, Research and Development Center, Wrocław, Poland.,VisMederi Srl, Siena, Italy
| | - Emanuele Montomoli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Remigiusz Bąchor
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Wrocław, Poland.,Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Krystyna Dąbrowska
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Wrocław, Poland.,Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, Research and Development Center, Wrocław, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
IgG Study of Blood Sera of Patients with COVID-19. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111421. [PMID: 34832577 PMCID: PMC8621046 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, which began at the end of 2019 in Wuhan, has affected 220 countries and territories to date. In the present study, we studied humoral immunity in samples of the blood sera of COVID-19 convalescents of varying severity and patients who died due to this infection, using native SARS-CoV-2 and its individual recombinant proteins. The cross-reactivity with SARS-CoV (2002) was also assessed. We used infectious and inactivated SARS-CoV-2/human/RUS/Nsk-FRCFTM-1/2020 strain, inactivated SARS-CoV strain (strain Frankfurt 1, 2002), recombinant proteins, and blood sera of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The blood sera from patients were analyzed by the Virus Neutralization test, Immunoblotting, and ELISA. The median values and mean ± SD of titers of specific and cross-reactive antibodies in blood sera tested in ELISA were mainly distributed in the following descending order: N > trimer S > RBD. ELISA and immunoblotting revealed a high cross-activity of antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 with the SARS-CoV antigen (2002), mainly with the N protein. The presence of antibodies specific to RBD corresponds with the data on the neutralizing activity of blood sera. According to the neutralization test in a number of cases, higher levels of antibodies that neutralize SARS-CoV-2 were detected in blood serum taken from patients several days before their death than in convalescents with a ranging disease severity. This high level of neutralizing antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 in the blood sera of patients who subsequently died in hospital from COVID-19 requires a thorough study of the role of humoral immunity as well as comorbidity and other factors affecting the humoral response in this disease.
Collapse
|
22
|
Tan TH, Patton E, Munro CA, Corzo-Leon DE, Porter AJ, Palliyil S. Monoclonal Human Antibodies That Recognise the Exposed N and C Terminal Regions of the Often-Overlooked SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a Transmembrane Protein. Viruses 2021; 13:2201. [PMID: 34835009 PMCID: PMC8624585 DOI: 10.3390/v13112201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
ORF3a has been identified as a viroporin of SARS-CoV-2 and is known to be involved in various pathophysiological activities including disturbance of cellular calcium homeostasis, inflammasome activation, apoptosis induction and disruption of autophagy. ORF3a-targeting antibodies may specifically and favorably modulate these viroporin-dependent pathological activities. However, suitable viroporin-targeting antibodies are difficult to generate because of the well-recognized technical challenge associated with isolating antibodies to complex transmembrane proteins. Here we exploited a naïve human single chain antibody phage display library, to isolate binders against carefully chosen ORF3a recombinant epitopes located towards the extracellular N terminal and cytosolic C terminal domains of the protein using peptide antigens. These binders were subjected to further characterization using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and surface plasmon resonance analysis to assess their binding affinities to the target epitopes. Binding to full-length ORF3a protein was evaluated by western blot and fluorescent microscopy using ORF3a transfected cells and SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. Co-localization analysis was also performed to evaluate the "pairing potential" of the selected binders as possible alternative diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for COVID-19 infections. Both ORF3a N and C termini, epitope-specific monoclonal antibodies were identified in our study. Whilst the linear nature of peptides might not always represent their native conformations in the context of full protein, with carefully designed selection protocols, we have been successful in isolating anti-ORF3a binders capable of recognising regions of the transmembrane protein that are exposed either on the "inside" or "outside" of the infected cell. Their therapeutic potential will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyng Hwey Tan
- Scottish Biologics Facility, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZP, UK; (T.H.T.); (E.P.)
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (C.A.M.); (D.E.C.-L.)
| | - Elizabeth Patton
- Scottish Biologics Facility, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZP, UK; (T.H.T.); (E.P.)
| | - Carol A. Munro
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (C.A.M.); (D.E.C.-L.)
| | - Dora E. Corzo-Leon
- Aberdeen Fungal Group, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (C.A.M.); (D.E.C.-L.)
| | - Andrew J. Porter
- Scottish Biologics Facility, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZP, UK; (T.H.T.); (E.P.)
| | - Soumya Palliyil
- Scottish Biologics Facility, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZP, UK; (T.H.T.); (E.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ha B, Jadhao S, Hussaini L, Gibson T, Stephens K, Salazar L, Ciric C, Taylor M, Rouphael N, Edupuganti S, Rostad CA, Tompkins SM, Anderson EJ, Anderson LJ. Evaluation of a SARS-CoV-2 Capture IgM Antibody Assay in Convalescent Sera. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0045821. [PMID: 34494855 PMCID: PMC8557898 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00458-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for a global pandemic with over 152 million cases and 3.19 million deaths reported by early May 2021. Understanding the serological response to SARS-CoV-2 is critical to determining the burden of infection and disease (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]) and transmission dynamics. We developed a capture IgM assay because it should have better sensitivity and specificity than the commonly used indirect assay. Here, we report the development and performance of a capture IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a companion indirect IgG ELISA for the spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins and the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of S. We found that among the IgM ELISAs, the S ELISA was positive in 76% of 55 serum samples from SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive patients, the RBD ELISA was positive in 55% of samples, and the N ELISA was positive in 15% of samples. The companion indirect IgG ELISAs were positive for S in 89% of the 55 serum samples, RBD in 78%, and N in 85%. While the specificities for IgM RBD, S, and N ELISAs and IgG S and RBD ELISAs were 97% to 100%, the specificity of the N IgG ELISA was lower (89%). RBD-specific IgM antibodies became undetectable by 3 to 6 months, and S IgM reached low levels at 6 months. The corresponding IgG S, RBD, and N antibodies persisted with some decreases in levels over this time period. These capture IgM ELISAs and the companion indirect IgG ELISAs should enhance serologic studies of SARS-CoV-2 infections. IMPORTANCE Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has inflicted tremendous loss of lives, overwhelmed health care systems, and disrupted all aspects of life worldwide since its emergence in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Detecting current and past infection by PCR or serology is important to understanding and controlling SARS-CoV-2. With increasing prevalence of past infection or vaccination, IgG antibodies are less helpful in diagnosing a current infection. IgM antibodies indicate a more recent infection and can supplement PCR diagnosis. We report an alternative method, capture IgM, to detect serum IgM antibodies, which should be more sensitive and specific than most currently used methods. We describe this capture IgM assay and a companion indirect IgG assay for the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S), nucleocapsid (N), and receptor-binding domain (RBD) proteins. These assays can add value to diagnostic and serologic studies of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Binh Ha
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Samadhan Jadhao
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Laila Hussaini
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Theda Gibson
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kathy Stephens
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Luis Salazar
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Caroline Ciric
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Meg Taylor
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nadine Rouphael
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Srilatha Edupuganti
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christina A. Rostad
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - S. Mark Tompkins
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Emory-UGA Centers of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS), Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Evan J. Anderson
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Larry J. Anderson
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine and Children’s Health Care of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Thura M, Sng J, Ang K, Li J, Gupta A, Hong J, Hong C, Zeng Q. Targeting intra-viral conserved nucleocapsid (N) proteins as novel vaccines against SARS-CoVs. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:BSR20211491. [PMID: 34519332 PMCID: PMC8463655 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused the global pandemic of the Coronavirus disease in late 2019 (COVID-19). Vaccine development efforts have predominantly been aimed at 'Extra-viral' Spike (S) protein as vaccine vehicles, but there are concerns regarding 'viral immune escape' since multiple mutations may enable the mutated virus strains to escape from immunity against S protein. The 'Intra-viral' Nucleocapsid (N-protein) is relatively conserved among mutant strains of coronaviruses during spread and evolution. Herein, we demonstrate novel vaccine candidates against SARS-CoV-2 by using the whole conserved N-protein or its fragment/peptides. Using ELISA assay, we showed that high titers of specific anti-N antibodies (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgM) were maintained for a reasonably long duration (> 5 months), suggesting that N-protein is an excellent immunogen to stimulate host immune system and robust B-cell activation. We synthesized three peptides located at the conserved regions of N-protein among CoVs. One peptide showed as a good immunogen for vaccination as well. Cytokine arrays on post-vaccination mouse sera showed progressive up-regulation of various cytokines such as IFN-γ and CCL5, suggesting that TH1 associated responses are also stimulated. Furthermore, vaccinated mice exhibited an elevated memory T cells population. Here, we propose an unconventional vaccine strategy targeting the conserved N-protein as an alternative vaccine target for coronaviruses. Moreover, we generated a mouse monoclonal antibody specifically against an epitope shared between SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, and we are currently developing the First-in-Class humanized anti-N-protein antibody to potentially treat patients infected by various CoVs in the future.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
- Antibodies, Viral/blood
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- COVID-19/immunology
- COVID-19/prevention & control
- COVID-19/virology
- COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage
- COVID-19 Vaccines/genetics
- COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
- Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Proteins/genetics
- Coronavirus Nucleocapsid Proteins/immunology
- Epitopes/immunology
- Humans
- Immune Evasion
- Immunogenicity, Vaccine
- Mice
- Models, Animal
- Pandemics/prevention & control
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus/genetics
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus/immunology
- SARS-CoV-2/genetics
- SARS-CoV-2/immunology
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
- Th1 Cells/immunology
- Vaccines, Subunit/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Subunit/genetics
- Vaccines, Subunit/immunology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Thura
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138673
| | - Joel Xuan En Sng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138673
| | - Koon Hwee Ang
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138673
| | - Jie Li
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138673
| | - Abhishek Gupta
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138673
| | | | - Cheng William Hong
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92103, USA
| | - Qi Zeng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138673
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119260
- INTRA-ImmuSG Private Limited, Singapore 079903
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Shanmugaraj B, Siriwattananon K, Malla A, Phoolcharoen W. Potential for Developing Plant-Derived Candidate Vaccines and Biologics against Emerging Coronavirus Infections. Pathogens 2021; 10:1051. [PMID: 34451516 PMCID: PMC8400130 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10081051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging human coronavirus infections in the 21st century remain a major public health crisis causing worldwide impact and challenging the global health care system. The virus is circulating in several zoonotic hosts and continuously evolving, causing occasional outbreaks due to spill-over events occurring between animals and humans. Hence, the development of effective vaccines or therapeutic interventions is the current global priority in order to reduce disease severity, frequent outbreaks, and to prevent future infections. Vaccine development for newly emerging pathogens takes a long time, which hinders rapid immunization programs. The concept of plant-based pharmaceuticals can be readily applied to meet the recombinant protein demand by means of transient expression. Plants are evolved as an expression platform, and they bring a combination of unique interests in terms of rapid scalability, flexibility, and economy for industrial-scale production of effective vaccines, diagnostic reagents, and other biopharmaceuticals. Plants offer safe biologics to fulfill emergency demands, especially during pandemic situations or outbreaks caused by emerging strains. This review highlights the features of a plant expression platform for producing recombinant biopharmaceuticals to combat coronavirus infections with emphasis on COVID-19 vaccine and biologics development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Konlavat Siriwattananon
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Ashwini Malla
- Baiya Phytopharm Co., Ltd., Bangkok 10250, Thailand; (B.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Baiya Phytopharm Co., Ltd., Bangkok 10250, Thailand; (B.S.); (A.M.)
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Deep survey for designing a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 and its new mutations. Biologia (Bratisl) 2021; 76:3465-3476. [PMID: 34421121 PMCID: PMC8369332 DOI: 10.1007/s11756-021-00866-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has prompted worldwide vaccine development. Several vaccines have been authorized by WHO, FDA, or MOH of different countries. However, issues such as need for cold chain, price, and most importantly access problems have limited vaccine usage in some nations especially developing countries. Moreover, the vast global demand justifies further attempts for vaccine development. Multi-epitope polypeptide vaccines enjoy several key features including safety and lower production and transfer costs and could be designed by in silico tools. Spike protein (S), membrane protein (M), and nucleocapsid protein (N), the three major structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2, are ideal candidates for epitope selection. ORF3a (open reading frame3a), a transmembrane protein with pro-apoptotic functions, could be another proper target. Thus, a novel multi-epitope vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 was designed using these four proteins and LL37, a TLR3 agonist adjuvant, through different immunoinformatics and bioinformatics tools. The proposed multi-epitope vaccine is expected to induce robust humoral and cellular immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 with a population coverage of 76.92 % due to containing different immunodominant epitopes and LL37 adjuvant. Selecting epitopes derived from one functional and three structural proteins suggests the protective ability of the vaccine irrespective of probable virus mutations. The computationally observed proper interaction of LL37 with TLR3 implies its ability to induce immune responses effectively. Besides, it showed acceptable structural and physicochemical properties. The in-silico cloning results predicted its high efficiency production in Escherichia coli. Future experimental studies could further confirm its immunological efficacy.
Collapse
|
27
|
Rais Y, Fu Z, Drabovich AP. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics in basic and translational research of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and its emerging mutants. Clin Proteomics 2021; 18:19. [PMID: 34384361 PMCID: PMC8358260 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-021-09325-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular diagnostics of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) now mainly relies on the measurements of viral RNA by RT-PCR, or detection of anti-viral antibodies by immunoassays. In this review, we discussed the perspectives of mass spectrometry-based proteomics as an analytical technique to identify and quantify proteins of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and to enable basic research and clinical studies on COVID-19. While RT-PCR and RNA sequencing are indisputably powerful techniques for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 and identification of the emerging mutations, proteomics may provide confirmatory diagnostic information and complimentary biological knowledge on protein abundance, post-translational modifications, protein-protein interactions, and the functional impact of the emerging mutations. Pending advances in sensitivity and throughput of mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography, shotgun and targeted proteomic assays may find their niche for the differential quantification of viral proteins in clinical and environmental samples. Targeted proteomic assays in combination with immunoaffinity enrichments also provide orthogonal tools to evaluate cross-reactivity of serology tests and facilitate development of tests with the nearly perfect diagnostic specificity, this enabling reliable testing of broader populations for the acquired immunity. The coronavirus pandemic of 2019-2021 is another reminder that the future global pandemics may be inevitable, but their impact could be mitigated with the novel tools and assays, such as mass spectrometry-based proteomics, to enable continuous monitoring of emerging viruses, and to facilitate rapid response to novel infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Rais
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Andrei P Drabovich
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hassan MM, Baten MZ. Label-free detection of virus-like particles employing rotationally symmetric nanowire array based whispering gallery and quasi-whispering gallery resonant modes onto a silicon platform. OPTICS EXPRESS 2021; 29:25745-25761. [PMID: 34614897 DOI: 10.1364/oe.432064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In spite of tremendous advancements in modern diagnostics, there is a dire need for reliable, label-free detection of highly contagious pathogens like viruses. In view of the limitations of existing diagnostic techniques, the present theoretical study proposes a novel scheme of detecting virus-like particles employing whispering gallery and quasi-whispering gallery resonant modes of a composite optical system. Whereas whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators are conventionally realized using micro-disk, -ring, -toroid or spherical structures, the present study utilizes a rotationally symmetric array of silicon nanowires which offers higher sensitivity compared to the conventional WGM resonator while detecting virus-like particles. Notwithstanding the relatively low quality factor of the system, the underlying multiple-scattering mediated photon entrapment, coupled with peripheral total-internal reflection, results in high fidelity of the system against low signal-to-noise ratio. Finite difference time domain based numerical analysis has been performed to correlate resonant modes of the array with spatial location of the virus. The correlation has been subsequently utilized for statistical analysis of simulated test cases. Assuming detection to be limited by resolution of the measurement system, results of the analysis suggest that for only about 5% of the simulate test cases the resonant wavelength shift lies within the minimum detection range of 0.001-0.01 nm. For a single virus of 160 nm diameter, more than 8 nm shift of the resonant mode and nearly 100% change of quality factor are attained with the proposed nanowire array based photonic structure.
Collapse
|
29
|
Chazal N. Coronavirus, the King Who Wanted More Than a Crown: From Common to the Highly Pathogenic SARS-CoV-2, Is the Key in the Accessory Genes? Front Microbiol 2021; 12:682603. [PMID: 34335504 PMCID: PMC8317507 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.682603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), that emerged in late 2019, is the etiologic agent of the current "coronavirus disease 2019" (COVID-19) pandemic, which has serious health implications and a significant global economic impact. Of the seven human coronaviruses, all of which have a zoonotic origin, the pandemic SARS-CoV-2, is the third emerging coronavirus, in the 21st century, highly pathogenic to the human population. Previous human coronavirus outbreaks (SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV) have already provided several valuable information on some of the common molecular and cellular mechanisms of coronavirus infections as well as their origin. However, to meet the new challenge caused by the SARS-CoV-2, a detailed understanding of the biological specificities, as well as knowledge of the origin are crucial to provide information on viral pathogenicity, transmission and epidemiology, and to enable strategies for therapeutic interventions and drug discovery. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the current advances in SARS-CoV-2 knowledges, in light of pre-existing information of other recently emerging coronaviruses. We depict the specificity of the immune response of wild bats and discuss current knowledge of the genetic diversity of bat-hosted coronaviruses that promotes viral genome expansion (accessory gene acquisition). In addition, we describe the basic virology of coronaviruses with a special focus SARS-CoV-2. Finally, we highlight, in detail, the current knowledge of genes and accessory proteins which we postulate to be the major keys to promote virus adaptation to specific hosts (bat and human), to contribute to the suppression of immune responses, as well as to pathogenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Chazal
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier (IRIM), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Siggins MK, Thwaites RS, Openshaw PJM. Durability of Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and Other Respiratory Viruses. Trends Microbiol 2021; 29:648-662. [PMID: 33896688 PMCID: PMC8026254 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2021.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Even in nonpandemic times, respiratory viruses account for a vast global burden of disease. They remain a major cause of illness and death and they pose a perpetual threat of breaking out into epidemics and pandemics. Many of these respiratory viruses infect repeatedly and appear to induce only narrow transient immunity, but the situation varies from one virus to another. In the absence of effective specific treatments, understanding the role of immunity in protection, disease, and resolution is of paramount importance. These problems have been brought into sharp focus by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Here, we summarise what is now known about adaptive immunity to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and draw comparisons with immunity to other respiratory viruses, focusing on the longevity of protective responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew K Siggins
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Ryan S Thwaites
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Antibody landscape against SARS-CoV-2 reveals significant differences between non-structural/accessory and structural proteins. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109391. [PMID: 34242574 PMCID: PMC8233850 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The immunogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 proteome is largely unknown, especially for non-structural proteins and accessory proteins. In this study, we collect 2,360 COVID-19 sera and 601 control sera. We analyze these sera on a protein microarray with 20 proteins of SARS-CoV-2, building an antibody response landscape for immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM. Non-structural proteins and accessory proteins NSP1, NSP7, NSP8, RdRp, ORF3b, and ORF9b elicit prevalent IgG responses. The IgG patterns and dynamics of non-structural/accessory proteins are different from those of the S and N proteins. The IgG responses against these six proteins are associated with disease severity and clinical outcome, and they decline sharply about 20 days after symptom onset. In non-survivors, a sharp decrease of IgG antibodies against S1 and N proteins before death is observed. The global antibody responses to non-structural/accessory proteins revealed here may facilitate a deeper understanding of SARS-CoV-2 immunology.
Collapse
|
32
|
Gorkhali R, Koirala P, Rijal S, Mainali A, Baral A, Bhattarai HK. Structure and Function of Major SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV Proteins. Bioinform Biol Insights 2021; 15:11779322211025876. [PMID: 34220199 PMCID: PMC8221690 DOI: 10.1177/11779322211025876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative agent of COVID-19 pandemic, has a genomic organization consisting of 16 nonstructural proteins (nsps), 4 structural proteins, and 9 accessory proteins. Relative of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, has genomic organization, which is very similar. In this article, the function and structure of the proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV are described in great detail. The nsps are expressed as a single or two polyproteins, which are then cleaved into individual proteins using two proteases of the virus, a chymotrypsin-like protease and a papain-like protease. The released proteins serve as centers of virus replication and transcription. Some of these nsps modulate the host’s translation and immune systems, while others help the virus evade the host immune system. Some of the nsps help form replication-transcription complex at double-membrane vesicles. Others, including one RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and one exonuclease, help in the polymerization of newly synthesized RNA of the virus and help minimize the mutation rate by proofreading. After synthesis of the viral RNA, it gets capped. The capping consists of adding GMP and a methylation mark, called cap 0 and additionally adding a methyl group to the terminal ribose called cap1. Capping is accomplished with the help of a helicase, which also helps remove a phosphate, two methyltransferases, and a scaffolding factor. Among the structural proteins, S protein forms the receptor of the virus, which latches on the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor of the host and N protein binds and protects the genomic RNA of the virus. The accessory proteins found in these viruses are small proteins with immune modulatory roles. Besides functions of these proteins, solved X-ray and cryogenic electron microscopy structures related to the function of the proteins along with comparisons to other coronavirus homologs have been described in the article. Finally, the rate of mutation of SARS-CoV-2 residues of the proteome during the 2020 pandemic has been described. Some proteins are mutated more often than other proteins, but the significance of these mutation rates is not fully understood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Gorkhali
- Department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | | | - Sadikshya Rijal
- Department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Ashmita Mainali
- Department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Adesh Baral
- Department of Biotechnology, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Massalska MA, Gober HJ. How Children Are Protected From COVID-19? A Historical, Clinical, and Pathophysiological Approach to Address COVID-19 Susceptibility. Front Immunol 2021; 12:646894. [PMID: 34177895 PMCID: PMC8226076 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.646894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The origin and the global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in early 2020 was accompanied by high rates of mortality in regions belonging to the ancient silk road, such as the south of China, Iran, Turkey and the northern parts of Italy. However, children seem to be spared in the epidemic as very small percentage worldwide being ill. The protection of children and neonates suggests the involvement of a specific component of adaptive immunity present at early development. Native immunoglobulin belonging to the class of IgM is abundantly present in neonates and children and is known for its recognition of self- and altered self-antigens. Native IgM may be able to neutralize virus by the recognition of endogenous "danger signal" encoded in the viral envelope and originally imprinted in the membranes of infected and stressed cells. Noteworthy, thrombosis and vasculitis, two symptoms in severely affected adult and pediatric patients are shared between COVID-19 and patients with Behcet's disease, an autoimmune disorder exhibiting a region-specific prevalence in countries of the former silk road. Molecular mechanisms and clinical indicators suggest reactive oxygen species as trigger factor for severe progression of COVID-19 and establish a link to the innate immune defense against bacteria. The selective pressure exerted by bacterial pathogens may have shaped the genetics of inhabitants at this ancient trade route in favor of bacterial defense, to the detriment of severe COVID-19 progression in the 21th century.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Anna Massalska
- Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology, and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Mylemans M, Van Honacker E, Nevejan L, Van Den Bremt S, Hofman L, Poels J, Cattoir L, Boel A, Van Hoovels L. Diagnostic and analytical performance evaluation of ten commercial assays for detecting SARS-CoV-2 humoral immune response. J Immunol Methods 2021; 493:113043. [PMID: 33773989 PMCID: PMC7989098 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2021.113043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Analytical validation of newly released SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays in the clinical laboratory is crucial to ensure sufficient performance in respect to its intended use. We aimed to assess analytical and diagnostic performance of 8 (semi-)quantitative assays detecting anti-nucleocapsid IgG (Euroimmun, Id-Vet) or total Ig (Roche), anti-spike protein IgG (Euroimmun, Theradiag, DiaSorin, Thermo Fisher) or both (Theradiag) and 2 rapid lateral flow assays (LFA) (AAZ-LMB and Theradiag). METHODS Specificity was evaluated using a cross-reactivity panel of 85 pre-pandemic serum samples. Sensitivity was determined at both the manufacturer's and a 95% specificity cut-off level, using 81 serum samples of patients with a positive rRT-PCR. Sensitivity was determined in function of time post symptoms onset. RESULTS Specificity for all assays ranged from 92.9% to 100% (Roche and Thermo Fisher) with the exception of the Theradiag IgM LFA (82.4%). Sensitivity in asymptomatic patients ranged between 41.7% and 58.3%. Sensitivity on samples taken <10 days since symptom onset was low (23.3%-66.7%) and increased on samples taken between 10 and 20 days and > 20 days since symptom onset (80%-96% and 92.9%-100%, respectively). From 20 days after symptom onset, the Roche, Id-vet and Thermo Fisher assays all met the sensitivity (>95%) and specificity (>97%) targets determined by the WHO. Antibody signal response was significantly higher in the critically ill patient group. CONCLUSION Antibody detection can complement rRT-PCR for the diagnosis of COVID-19, especially in the later stage, or in asymptomatic patients for epidemiological purposes. Addition of IgM in LFAs did not improve sensitivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marnix Mylemans
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, OLV Hospital, Aalst, Belgium; Department of Laboratory Medicine, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Louis Nevejan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, OLV Hospital, Aalst, Belgium; Department of Laboratory Medicine, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Laura Hofman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, OLV Hospital, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Poels
- Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lien Cattoir
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, OLV Hospital, Aalst, Belgium
| | - An Boel
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, OLV Hospital, Aalst, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Jemeršić L, Lojkić I, Krešić N, Keros T, Zelenika TA, Jurinović L, Skok D, Bata I, Boras J, Habrun B, Brnić D. Investigating the Presence of SARS CoV-2 in Free-Living and Captive Animals. Pathogens 2021; 10:635. [PMID: 34064271 PMCID: PMC8224323 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to SARS CoV-2 recombination rates, number of infected people and recent reports of environmental contamination, the possibility of SARS CoV-2 transmission to animals can be expected. We tested samples of dominant free-living and captive wildlife species in Croatia for the presence of anti-SARS CoV-2 antibodies and viral RNA. In total, from June 2020 until February 2021, we tested blood, muscle extract and fecal samples of 422 free-living wild boars (Sus scrofa), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and jackals (Canis aureus); blood and cloacal swabs of 111 yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis) and fecal samples of 32 zoo animals. A commercially available ELISA (ID.Vet, France) and as a confirmatory test, a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT; GenScript, Netherlands) were used. Fecal samples were tested for the presence of viral RNA by a real-time RT-PCR protocol. Fifteen out of 533 (2.8%) positive ELISA results were detected; in wild boars (3.9%), red foxes (2.9%) and jackals (4.6%). However, the positive findings were not confirmed by sVNT. No viral RNA was found. In conclusion, no spillover occurred within the investigated period (second COVID-19 wave). However, further investigation is needed, especially regarding wildlife sample features for serological tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Jemeršić
- Virology Department, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.K.); (T.K.); (B.H.); (D.B.)
| | - Ivana Lojkić
- Virology Department, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.K.); (T.K.); (B.H.); (D.B.)
| | - Nina Krešić
- Virology Department, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.K.); (T.K.); (B.H.); (D.B.)
| | - Tomislav Keros
- Virology Department, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.K.); (T.K.); (B.H.); (D.B.)
| | - Tajana Amšel Zelenika
- Poultry Center, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (T.A.Z.); (L.J.)
| | - Luka Jurinović
- Poultry Center, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (T.A.Z.); (L.J.)
| | - Damir Skok
- Zagreb Zoo, Maksimirski Perivoj, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.S.); (I.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Ingeborg Bata
- Zagreb Zoo, Maksimirski Perivoj, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.S.); (I.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Jadranko Boras
- Zagreb Zoo, Maksimirski Perivoj, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (D.S.); (I.B.); (J.B.)
| | - Boris Habrun
- Virology Department, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.K.); (T.K.); (B.H.); (D.B.)
| | - Dragan Brnić
- Virology Department, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (N.K.); (T.K.); (B.H.); (D.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Jungreis I, Sealfon R, Kellis M. SARS-CoV-2 gene content and COVID-19 mutation impact by comparing 44 Sarbecovirus genomes. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2642. [PMID: 33976134 PMCID: PMC8113528 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22905-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite its clinical importance, the SARS-CoV-2 gene set remains unresolved, hindering dissection of COVID-19 biology. We use comparative genomics to provide a high-confidence protein-coding gene set, characterize evolutionary constraint, and prioritize functional mutations. We select 44 Sarbecovirus genomes at ideally-suited evolutionary distances, and quantify protein-coding evolutionary signatures and overlapping constraint. We find strong protein-coding signatures for ORFs 3a, 6, 7a, 7b, 8, 9b, and a novel alternate-frame gene, ORF3c, whereas ORFs 2b, 3d/3d-2, 3b, 9c, and 10 lack protein-coding signatures or convincing experimental evidence of protein-coding function. Furthermore, we show no other conserved protein-coding genes remain to be discovered. Mutation analysis suggests ORF8 contributes to within-individual fitness but not person-to-person transmission. Cross-strain and within-strain evolutionary pressures agree, except for fewer-than-expected within-strain mutations in nsp3 and S1, and more-than-expected in nucleocapsid, which shows a cluster of mutations in a predicted B-cell epitope, suggesting immune-avoidance selection. Evolutionary histories of residues disrupted by spike-protein substitutions D614G, N501Y, E484K, and K417N/T provide clues about their biology, and we catalog likely-functional co-inherited mutations. Previously reported RNA-modification sites show no enrichment for conservation. Here we report a high-confidence gene set and evolutionary-history annotations providing valuable resources and insights on SARS-CoV-2 biology, mutations, and evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irwin Jungreis
- MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Rachel Sealfon
- Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, New York, NY, USA
| | - Manolis Kellis
- MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
The immune response to the novel coronavirus infection. КЛИНИЧЕСКАЯ ПРАКТИКА 2021. [DOI: 10.17816/clinpract64677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes the current knowledge on the humoral and T-cell immunity to the novel coronavirus infection. A special attention is paid to the viral proteins that induce production of antibodies, different types of immunoglobulins and their role in the protection against the virus as well as to the duration of the humoral immune response. In addition, a concise analysis of the T-cell immunity status during COVID-19 and its input into the antiviral defense is presented. The collected data demonstrating preservation of both the humoral and T-cell immunity are urgently needed in the medical professionals' community for evidence-based decisions on the immunity monitoring, estimation of (re)vaccination time, as well as for knowing the factors that should be considered while choosing the most effective vaccine. Finally, several directions for the future research are pointed out
Collapse
|
38
|
Melo-Vallès A, Ballesté-Delpierre C, Vila J. Review of the Microbiological Diagnostic Approaches of COVID-19. Front Public Health 2021; 9:592500. [PMID: 33987157 PMCID: PMC8110909 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.592500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
On March 12, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic following the exponential increase of SARS-CoV-2 cases. The rapid spread of the virus is due to both its high infectivity and the free circulation of unrecognized infectious cases. Thus, diagnostic testing is a key element to prevent further dissemination of the virus. Urged by WHO's call, laboratories worldwide have been working on nucleic acid tests protocols and immunoassays that became available, albeit poorly validated, within a comparatively short time. Since then, external studies evaluating these diagnostic tests have been published. The present study is a review of the COVID-19 diagnostic approaches, discussing both direct and indirect microbiological diagnoses. A compendium of the literature on commercial assays kits available to date is provided together with the conclusions drawn as well as RT-PCR protocols published by the WHO. Briefly, diagnostic accuracy varies according to time elapsed since symptom onset and evolves together with understanding of the COVID-19 disease. Taking into account all these variables will allow determining the most adequate diagnostic test to use and how to optimize diagnostic testing for COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ada Melo-Vallès
- Bachelor of Human Biology, Fourth Grade Student, Life and Health Sciences Faculty, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Jordi Vila
- ISGlobal Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Centre for Biomedical Diagnosis, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Hasan A, Al-Ozairi E, Al-Baqsumi Z, Ahmad R, Al-Mulla F. Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses in Covid-19 and Immunotherapeutic Approaches. Immunotargets Ther 2021; 10:63-85. [PMID: 33728277 PMCID: PMC7955763 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s280706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), caused by the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), can range in severity from asymptomatic to severe/critical disease. SARS-CoV-2 uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 to infect cells leading to a strong inflammatory response, which is most profound in patients who progress to severe Covid-19. Recent studies have begun to unravel some of the differences in the innate and adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in patients with different degrees of disease severity. These studies have attributed the severe form of Covid-19 to a dysfunctional innate immune response, such as a delayed and/or deficient type I interferon response, coupled with an exaggerated and/or a dysfunctional adaptive immunity. Differences in T-cell (including CD4+ T-cells, CD8+ T-cells, T follicular helper cells, γδ-T-cells, and regulatory T-cells) and B-cell (transitional cells, double-negative 2 cells, antibody-secreting cells) responses have been identified in patients with severe disease compared to mild cases. Moreover, differences in the kinetic/titer of neutralizing antibody responses have been described in severe disease, which may be confounded by antibody-dependent enhancement. Importantly, the presence of preexisting autoantibodies against type I interferon has been described as a major cause of severe/critical disease. Additionally, priorVaccine and multiple vaccine exposure, trained innate immunity, cross-reactive immunity, and serological immune imprinting may all contribute towards disease severity and outcome. Several therapeutic and preventative approaches have been under intense investigations; these include vaccines (three of which have passed Phase 3 clinical trials), therapeutic antibodies, and immunosuppressants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amal Hasan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Research Division, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Ebaa Al-Ozairi
- Clinical Research Unit, Medical Division, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jabriya, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Zahraa Al-Baqsumi
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Research Division, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Rasheed Ahmad
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Research Division, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Functional Genomics, Research Division, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pape C, Remme R, Wolny A, Olberg S, Wolf S, Cerrone L, Cortese M, Klaus S, Lucic B, Ullrich S, Anders‐Össwein M, Wolf S, Cerikan B, Neufeldt CJ, Ganter M, Schnitzler P, Merle U, Lusic M, Boulant S, Stanifer M, Bartenschlager R, Hamprecht FA, Kreshuk A, Tischer C, Kräusslich H, Müller B, Laketa V. Microscopy-based assay for semi-quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in human sera: A semi-quantitative, high throughput, microscopy-based assay expands existing approaches to measure SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody levels in human sera. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2000257. [PMID: 33377226 PMCID: PMC7883048 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Emergence of the novel pathogenic coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and its rapid pandemic spread presents challenges that demand immediate attention. Here, we describe the development of a semi-quantitative high-content microscopy-based assay for detection of three major classes (IgG, IgA, and IgM) of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in human samples. The possibility to detect antibodies against the entire viral proteome together with a robust semi-automated image analysis workflow resulted in specific, sensitive and unbiased assay that complements the portfolio of SARS-CoV-2 serological assays. Sensitive, specific and quantitative serological assays are urgently needed for a better understanding of humoral immune response against the virus as a basis for developing public health strategies to control viral spread. The procedure described here has been used for clinical studies and provides a general framework for the application of quantitative high-throughput microscopy to rapidly develop serological assays for emerging virus infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Constantin Pape
- HCI/IWRHeidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
- European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | - Roman Remme
- HCI/IWRHeidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
| | - Adrian Wolny
- HCI/IWRHeidelberg UniversityHeidelbergGermany
- European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | - Sylvia Olberg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, VirologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | | | | | - Mirko Cortese
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular VirologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Severina Klaus
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ParasitologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Bojana Lucic
- Department of Infectious DiseasesIntegrative VirologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Stephanie Ullrich
- Department of Infectious Diseases, VirologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Maria Anders‐Össwein
- Department of Infectious Diseases, VirologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Stefanie Wolf
- Department of Infectious Diseases, VirologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Berati Cerikan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular VirologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Christopher J. Neufeldt
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular VirologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Markus Ganter
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ParasitologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Paul Schnitzler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, VirologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Uta Merle
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity Hospital of HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Marina Lusic
- Department of Infectious DiseasesIntegrative VirologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
- German Center for Infection ResearchHeidelbergGermany
| | - Steeve Boulant
- Department of Infectious Diseases, VirologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
- Research Group “Cellular polarity and viral infection”German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
| | - Megan Stanifer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular VirologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
- Research Group “Cellular polarity and viral infection”German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)HeidelbergGermany
| | - Ralf Bartenschlager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular VirologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
- German Center for Infection ResearchHeidelbergGermany
| | | | - Anna Kreshuk
- European Molecular Biology LaboratoryHeidelbergGermany
| | | | - Hans‐Georg Kräusslich
- Department of Infectious Diseases, VirologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
- German Center for Infection ResearchHeidelbergGermany
| | - Barbara Müller
- Department of Infectious Diseases, VirologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Vibor Laketa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, VirologyUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
- German Center for Infection ResearchHeidelbergGermany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Sharma S, Saini S, Khangembam M, Singh V. Nanomaterials-Based Biosensors for COVID-19 Detection-A Review. IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL 2021; 21:5598-5611. [PMID: 37974905 PMCID: PMC8768986 DOI: 10.1109/jsen.2020.3036748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
This review paper discusses the properties of nanomaterials, namely graphene, molybdenum disulfide, carbon nanotubes, and quantum dots for unique sensing applications. Based on the specific analyte to be detected and the functionalization techniques that are employed, some noteworthy sensors that have been developed are discussed. Further, biocompatible sensors fabricated from these materials capable of detecting specific chemical compounds are also highlighted for COVID-19 detection purposes, which can aid in efficient and reliable sensing as well as timely diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Sharma
- Department of Applied PhysicsDelhi Technological UniversityNew Delhi110042India
| | - Sonakshi Saini
- Department of Applied PhysicsDelhi Technological UniversityNew Delhi110042India
| | - Maya Khangembam
- Department of Applied PhysicsDelhi Technological UniversityNew Delhi110042India
| | - Vinod Singh
- Department of Applied PhysicsDelhi Technological UniversityNew Delhi110042India
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Venditto VJ, Haydar D, Abdel-Latif A, Gensel JC, Anstead MI, Pitts MG, Creameans J, Kopper TJ, Peng C, Feola DJ. Immunomodulatory Effects of Azithromycin Revisited: Potential Applications to COVID-19. Front Immunol 2021; 12:574425. [PMID: 33643308 PMCID: PMC7906979 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.574425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid advancement of the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted an accelerated pursuit to identify effective therapeutics. Stages of the disease course have been defined by viral burden, lung pathology, and progression through phases of the immune response. Immunological factors including inflammatory cell infiltration and cytokine storm have been associated with severe disease and death. Many immunomodulatory therapies for COVID-19 are currently being investigated, and preliminary results support the premise of targeting the immune response. However, because suppressing immune mechanisms could also impact the clearance of the virus in the early stages of infection, therapeutic success is likely to depend on timing with respect to the disease course. Azithromycin is an immunomodulatory drug that has been shown to have antiviral effects and potential benefit in patients with COVID-19. Multiple immunomodulatory effects have been defined for azithromycin which could provide efficacy during the late stages of the disease, including inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, inhibition of neutrophil influx, induction of regulatory functions of macrophages, and alterations in autophagy. Here we review the published evidence of these mechanisms along with the current clinical use of azithromycin as an immunomodulatory therapeutic. We then discuss the potential impact of azithromycin on the immune response to COVID-19, as well as caution against immunosuppressive and off-target effects including cardiotoxicity in these patients. While azithromycin has the potential to contribute efficacy, its impact on the COVID-19 immune response requires additional characterization so as to better define its role in individualized therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent J. Venditto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Dalia Haydar
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Ahmed Abdel-Latif
- Gill Heart Institute and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - John C. Gensel
- Department of Physiology, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Michael I. Anstead
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Michelle G. Pitts
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Jarrod Creameans
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Timothy J. Kopper
- Department of Physiology, Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Chi Peng
- Gill Heart Institute and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - David J. Feola
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Wong NA, Saier MH. The SARS-Coronavirus Infection Cycle: A Survey of Viral Membrane Proteins, Their Functional Interactions and Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1308. [PMID: 33525632 PMCID: PMC7865831 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel epidemic strain of Betacoronavirus that is responsible for the current viral pandemic, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a global health crisis. Other epidemic Betacoronaviruses include the 2003 SARS-CoV-1 and the 2009 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), the genomes of which, particularly that of SARS-CoV-1, are similar to that of the 2019 SARS-CoV-2. In this extensive review, we document the most recent information on Coronavirus proteins, with emphasis on the membrane proteins in the Coronaviridae family. We include information on their structures, functions, and participation in pathogenesis. While the shared proteins among the different coronaviruses may vary in structure and function, they all seem to be multifunctional, a common theme interconnecting these viruses. Many transmembrane proteins encoded within the SARS-CoV-2 genome play important roles in the infection cycle while others have functions yet to be understood. We compare the various structural and nonstructural proteins within the Coronaviridae family to elucidate potential overlaps and parallels in function, focusing primarily on the transmembrane proteins and their influences on host membrane arrangements, secretory pathways, cellular growth inhibition, cell death and immune responses during the viral replication cycle. We also offer bioinformatic analyses of potential viroporin activities of the membrane proteins and their sequence similarities to the Envelope (E) protein. In the last major part of the review, we discuss complement, stimulation of inflammation, and immune evasion/suppression that leads to CoV-derived severe disease and mortality. The overall pathogenesis and disease progression of CoVs is put into perspective by indicating several stages in the resulting infection process in which both host and antiviral therapies could be targeted to block the viral cycle. Lastly, we discuss the development of adaptive immunity against various structural proteins, indicating specific vulnerable regions in the proteins. We discuss current CoV vaccine development approaches with purified proteins, attenuated viruses and DNA vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Wong
- Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0116, USA
| | - Milton H. Saier
- Department of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0116, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Dobaño C, Vidal M, Santano R, Jiménez A, Chi J, Barrios D, Ruiz-Olalla G, Rodrigo Melero N, Carolis C, Parras D, Serra P, Martínez de Aguirre P, Carmona-Torre F, Reina G, Santamaria P, Mayor A, García-Basteiro AL, Izquierdo L, Aguilar R, Moncunill G. Highly Sensitive and Specific Multiplex Antibody Assays To Quantify Immunoglobulins M, A, and G against SARS-CoV-2 Antigens. J Clin Microbiol 2021; 59:e01731-20. [PMID: 33127841 PMCID: PMC8111153 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01731-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reliable serological tests are required to determine the prevalence of antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and to characterize immunity to the disease in order to address key knowledge gaps in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Quantitative suspension array technology (qSAT) assays based on the xMAP Luminex platform overcome the limitations of rapid diagnostic tests and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) with their higher precision, dynamic range, throughput, miniaturization, cost-efficiency, and multiplexing capacity. We developed three qSAT assays for IgM, IgA, and IgG against a panel of eight SARS-CoV-2 antigens, including spike protein (S), nucleocapsid protein (N), and membrane protein (M) constructs. The assays were optimized to minimize the processing time and maximize the signal-to-noise ratio. We evaluated their performances using 128 prepandemic plasma samples (negative controls) and 104 plasma samples from individuals with SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis (positive controls), of whom 5 were asymptomatic, 51 had mild symptoms, and 48 were hospitalized. Preexisting IgG antibodies recognizing N, M, and S proteins were detected in negative controls, which is suggestive of cross-reactivity to common-cold coronaviruses. The best-performing antibody/antigen signatures had specificities of 100% and sensitivities of 95.78% at ≥14 days and 95.65% at ≥21 days since the onset of symptoms, with areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.977 and 0.999, respectively. Combining multiple markers as assessed by qSAT assays has the highest efficiency, breadth, and versatility to accurately detect low-level antibody responses for obtaining reliable data on the prevalence of exposure to novel pathogens in a population. Our assays will allow gaining insights into antibody correlates of immunity and their kinetics, required for vaccine development to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlota Dobaño
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Vidal
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Rebeca Santano
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Alfons Jiménez
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Chi
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Diana Barrios
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Gemma Ruiz-Olalla
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Natalia Rodrigo Melero
- Biomolecular Screening and Protein Technologies Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlo Carolis
- Biomolecular Screening and Protein Technologies Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Parras
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pau Serra
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Carmona-Torre
- Infectious Diseases Division, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Clinical Microbiology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gabriel Reina
- Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pere Santamaria
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Julia McFarlane Diabetes Research Centre, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alfredo Mayor
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Alberto L García-Basteiro
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
- International Health Department, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis Izquierdo
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ruth Aguilar
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Gemma Moncunill
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
A Multiplex Microsphere IgG Assay for SARS-CoV-2 Using ACE2-Mediated Inhibition as a Surrogate for Neutralization. J Clin Microbiol 2021; 59:JCM.02489-20. [PMID: 33139422 PMCID: PMC8111159 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02489-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the challenges inherent to the serological detection of a novel pathogen such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Serological tests can be used diagnostically and for surveillance, but their usefulness depends on their throughput, sensitivity, and specificity. Here, we describe a multiplex fluorescent microsphere-based assay, 3Flex, that can detect antibodies to three major SARS-CoV-2 antigens—spike (S) protein, the spike ACE2 receptor-binding domain (RBD), and nucleocapsid (NP). The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the challenges inherent to the serological detection of a novel pathogen such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Serological tests can be used diagnostically and for surveillance, but their usefulness depends on their throughput, sensitivity, and specificity. Here, we describe a multiplex fluorescent microsphere-based assay, 3Flex, that can detect antibodies to three major SARS-CoV-2 antigens—spike (S) protein, the spike ACE2 receptor-binding domain (RBD), and nucleocapsid (NP). Specificity was assessed using 213 prepandemic samples. Sensitivity was measured and compared to that of the Abbott Architect SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay using serum samples from 125 unique patients equally binned (n = 25) into 5 time intervals (≤5, 6 to 10, 11 to 15, 16 to 20, and ≥21 days from symptom onset). With samples obtained at ≤5 days from symptom onset, the 3Flex assay was more sensitive (48.0% versus 32.0%), but the two assays performed comparably using serum obtained ≥21 days from symptom onset. A larger collection (n = 534) of discarded sera was profiled from patients (n = 140) whose COVID-19 course was characterized through chart review. This revealed the relative rise, peak (S, 23.8; RBD, 23.6; NP, 16.7 [in days from symptom onset]), and decline of the antibody response. Considerable interperson variation was observed with a subset of extensively sampled intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Using soluble ACE2, inhibition of antibody binding was demonstrated for S and RBD, and not for NP. Taking the data together, this study described the performance of an assay built on a flexible and high-throughput serological platform that proved adaptable to the emergence of a novel infectious agent.
Collapse
|
46
|
Dobaño C, Vidal M, Santano R, Jiménez A, Chi J, Barrios D, Ruiz-Olalla G, Rodrigo Melero N, Carolis C, Parras D, Serra P, Martínez de Aguirre P, Carmona-Torre F, Reina G, Santamaria P, Mayor A, García-Basteiro AL, Izquierdo L, Aguilar R, Moncunill G. Highly Sensitive and Specific Multiplex Antibody Assays To Quantify Immunoglobulins M, A, and G against SARS-CoV-2 Antigens. J Clin Microbiol 2021. [PMID: 33127841 DOI: 10.1101/2020.06.11.147363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Reliable serological tests are required to determine the prevalence of antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and to characterize immunity to the disease in order to address key knowledge gaps in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Quantitative suspension array technology (qSAT) assays based on the xMAP Luminex platform overcome the limitations of rapid diagnostic tests and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) with their higher precision, dynamic range, throughput, miniaturization, cost-efficiency, and multiplexing capacity. We developed three qSAT assays for IgM, IgA, and IgG against a panel of eight SARS-CoV-2 antigens, including spike protein (S), nucleocapsid protein (N), and membrane protein (M) constructs. The assays were optimized to minimize the processing time and maximize the signal-to-noise ratio. We evaluated their performances using 128 prepandemic plasma samples (negative controls) and 104 plasma samples from individuals with SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis (positive controls), of whom 5 were asymptomatic, 51 had mild symptoms, and 48 were hospitalized. Preexisting IgG antibodies recognizing N, M, and S proteins were detected in negative controls, which is suggestive of cross-reactivity to common-cold coronaviruses. The best-performing antibody/antigen signatures had specificities of 100% and sensitivities of 95.78% at ≥14 days and 95.65% at ≥21 days since the onset of symptoms, with areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.977 and 0.999, respectively. Combining multiple markers as assessed by qSAT assays has the highest efficiency, breadth, and versatility to accurately detect low-level antibody responses for obtaining reliable data on the prevalence of exposure to novel pathogens in a population. Our assays will allow gaining insights into antibody correlates of immunity and their kinetics, required for vaccine development to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlota Dobaño
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Vidal
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Rebeca Santano
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Alfons Jiménez
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Chi
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Diana Barrios
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Gemma Ruiz-Olalla
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Natalia Rodrigo Melero
- Biomolecular Screening and Protein Technologies Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlo Carolis
- Biomolecular Screening and Protein Technologies Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Parras
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pau Serra
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Carmona-Torre
- Infectious Diseases Division, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Clinical Microbiology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gabriel Reina
- Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pere Santamaria
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Julia McFarlane Diabetes Research Centre, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alfredo Mayor
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Spanish Consortium for Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Alberto L García-Basteiro
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
- International Health Department, Hospital Clinic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis Izquierdo
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ruth Aguilar
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Gemma Moncunill
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Stuible M, Gervais C, Lord-Dufour S, Perret S, L'Abbé D, Schrag J, St-Laurent G, Durocher Y. Rapid, high-yield production of full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike ectodomain by transient gene expression in CHO cells. J Biotechnol 2021; 326:21-27. [PMID: 33301853 PMCID: PMC7720734 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant forms of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses have proven difficult to produce with good yields in mammalian cells. Given the panoply of potential COVID-19 diagnostic tools and therapeutic candidates that require purified spike protein and its importance for ongoing SARS-CoV-2 research, we have explored new approaches for spike production and purification. Three transient gene expression methods based on PEI-mediated transfection of CHO or HEK293 cells in suspension culture in chemically-defined media were compared for rapid production of full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike ectodomain. A high-cell-density protocol using DXB11-derived CHOBRI/55E1 cells gave substantially better yields than the other methods. Different forms of the spike ectodomain were expressed, including the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 sequence and a mutated form (to favor expression of the full-length spike ectodomain stabilized in pre-fusion conformation), with and without fusion to putative trimerization domains. An efficient two-step affinity purification method was also developed. Ultimately, we have been able to produce highly homogenous preparations of full-length spike, both monomeric and trimeric, with yields of 100-150 mg/L in the harvested medium. The speed and productivity of this method support further development of CHO-based approaches for recombinant spike protein manufacturing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Stuible
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Christian Gervais
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Simon Lord-Dufour
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Sylvie Perret
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Denis L'Abbé
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Joseph Schrag
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Gilles St-Laurent
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Yves Durocher
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Huergo MAC, Thanh NTK. Current advances in the detection of COVID-19 and evaluation of the humoral response. Analyst 2021; 146:382-402. [PMID: 33410826 DOI: 10.1039/d0an01686a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The new outbreak caused by coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 started at the end of 2019 and was declared a pandemic in March 2020. Since then, several diagnostic approaches have been re-adapted, and also improved from the previous detections of SARS and MERS coronavirus. The best strategy to handle this situation seems to rely on a triad of detection methods: (i) highly sensitive and specific techniques as the gold standard method, (ii) easier and faster point of care tests accessible for large population screening, and (iii) serology assays to complement the direct detection and to use for surveillance. In this study, we assessed the techniques and tests described in the literature, their advantages and disadvantages, and the interpretation of the results. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is undoubtedly the gold standard technique utilized not only for diagnostics, but also as a standard for comparison and validation of newer approaches. Other nucleic acid amplification methods have been shown to be adequate as point of care (POC) diagnostic tests with similar performance as RT-qPCR. The analysis of seroconversion with immunotests shows the complexity of the immune response to COVID-19. The detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies can also help to detect previously infected asymptomatic individuals with negative RT-qPCR tests. Nevertheless, more controlled serology cohort studies should be performed as soon as possible to understand the immune response to SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ana Cristina Huergo
- Theoretical and Applied Physical Chemical Research Institute (INIFTA), National Univesity of La Plata (UNLP), CONICET. Sucursal 4 Casilla de Correo 16, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Soleimanpour S, Yaghoubi A. COVID-19 vaccine: where are we now and where should we go? Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:23-44. [PMID: 33435774 PMCID: PMC7898300 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1875824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has currently caused the pandemic with a high progressive speed and has been considered as the global public health crisis in 2020. This new member of the coronavirus family has created a potentially fatal disease, called coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Despite the continuous efforts of researchers to find effective vaccines and drugs for COVID-19, there is still no success in this matter. AREAS COVERED Here, the literature regarding the COVID-19 vaccine candidates currently in the clinical trials, as well as main candidates in pre-clinical stages for development and research, were reviewed. These candidates have been developed under five different major platforms, including live-attenuated vaccine, mRNA-based vaccine, DNA vaccines, inactivated virus, and viral-vector-based vaccine. EXPERT OPINION There are several limitations in the field of the rapid vaccine development against SARS-CoV-2, and other members of the coronavirus family such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. The key challenges of designing an effective vaccine within a short time include finding the virulence ability of an emerging virus and potential antigen, choosing suitable experimental models and efficient route of administration, the immune-response study, designing the clinical trials, and determining the safety, as well as efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saman Soleimanpour
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Atieh Yaghoubi
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Xiao C, Ling S, Qiu M, Deng Z, Chen L, Zhu A, Chen Y, Liu Y, Lin X, Lin F, Wu Q, Shen L, Ye F, Liu X, Li Y, Zhao J, Yang Z, Cowling BJ, Webby R, Zanin M, Wong S. Human post-infection serological response to the spike and nucleocapsid proteins of SARS-CoV-2. Influenza Other Respir Viruses 2021; 15:7-12. [PMID: 32844604 PMCID: PMC7461388 DOI: 10.1111/irv.12798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
To inform seroepidemiological studies, we characterized the IgG- responses in COVID-19 patients against the two major SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins, spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N). We tested 70 COVID-19 sera collected up to 85 days post-symptom onset and 230 non-COVID-19 sera, including 27 SARS sera from 2003. Although the average SARS-CoV-2 S and N-IgG titers were comparable, N-responses were more variable among individuals. S- and N-assay specificity tested with non-COVID-19 sera were comparable at 97.5% and 97.0%, respectively. Therefore, S will make a better target due to its lower cross-reactive potential and its' more consistent frequency of detection compared to N.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Xiao
- Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseNational Clinical Research Center for Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Shiman Ling
- Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseNational Clinical Research Center for Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Minshan Qiu
- Department of Intensive CareDongguan People's HospitalDongguanChina
| | - Zhenxuan Deng
- Department of Intensive CareDongguan People's HospitalDongguanChina
| | - Liping Chen
- Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseNational Clinical Research Center for Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Airu Zhu
- Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseNational Clinical Research Center for Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Yi Chen
- Central LaboratoryGuangzhou Women and Children's Medical CenterGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yong Liu
- Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Kingmed Virology Diagnostics and Translational CenterGuangzhou Kingmed Center for Clinical LaboratoryGuangzhouChina
- Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory HealthThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xia Lin
- Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseNational Clinical Research Center for Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Fangmei Lin
- Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseNational Clinical Research Center for Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Qiubao Wu
- Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Nanshan Medicine InnovationGuangdongChina
| | - Lihan Shen
- Department of Intensive CareDongguan People's HospitalDongguanChina
| | - Feng Ye
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Department of Intensive CareThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yimin Li
- Department of Intensive CareThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jincun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseNational Clinical Research Center for Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Zifeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseNational Clinical Research Center for Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
- Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory HealthThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Macau University of Science and TechnologyMacau SARChina
| | | | - Richard Webby
- Division of VirologySt. Jude’s Children’s Research HospitalMemphisTNUSA
| | - Mark Zanin
- Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseNational Clinical Research Center for Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
- School of Public HealthThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Sook‐San Wong
- Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseNational Clinical Research Center for Respiratory DiseaseGuangzhouChina
- School of Public HealthThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| |
Collapse
|